2023 was a year of replenishment and revelation for me.  Although, my season of waiting to hear my next steps from the Lord continued, it was a time of tremendous spiritual growth in a way that I never could have imagined. As I’ve moved into 2024, the Holy Spirit has impressed upon me to fast from social media periodically, do a lot more reading, and for me to spend focused time in the presence of the Lord, and to be even more intentional to listen to what the Holy Spirit is saying.  My Holy Ghost Downloads are always enlightening, yet challenging, one of which, I’ve entitled“Catching Spiritual Waves of God’s Healing Rain”.

But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon Him; and with His stripes we ARE healed.

Isaiah 53:5 KJV

The New Living Translations says,

“But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins.  He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed”.

There are times when we become so preoccupied with our pain and discomfort that we focus on what the Lord hadn’t done, that lose sight of how much He had done.  There are other times when we pray so hard for something and it feels like God doesn’t hear us, but yet He continues to bless us in all areas of our lives.  It is in those moments, that we should feel like we’ve been chastised by God for not seeking Him in everything and for not being grateful in all things.  The scripture says that who the Lord chastens, He loves. The Lord wants to hear our voice, and even in our silence, He hears our heart.   We must pray without ceasing even when our faith becomes weak. 

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8 NLT

Our pain and discomfort may be physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, but our Lord is always right beside us, waiting to shower us with His healing rain, a warm soothing cleansing rain.  But remember that before the rain, there will be clouds and those clouds may be holding the moisture of our tears. 

Hear me, Lord, and have mercy on me. Help me, O Lord.” You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.  O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Psalms 30: 11-12

We must catch the Spiritual Waves of God’s Healing Rain.  The Lord will shift our narrow focus from our pain and discomfort to a broader view of our long-term spiritual growth and character development.  We don’t want to be our biggest giant.  We may actually be the one standing in our way of moving forward. 

We’ve entered another year of God’s Grace, Favor, Blessings, and Love.  We must leave our insecurities behind and face our personal challenges head on with the Lord by our side.  Be Strong and Courageous!   Strength is an internal confidence and courage is an external quality to be bold and to have the confidence to act; to move forward

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua

Joshua 1:9 KJV

Journal prompt: 

Describe a personal challenge that you are facing right now, no matter how small that you may have failed to discuss with the Lord.  Consider the reasons why you haven’t and how you will move forward OR describe a big personal challenge that you are facing, and you are still waiting for the answer.  Consider the reasons why the Lord still has you waiting, or has He given you an answer that you do want to hear.